California Governor Race Update: Conservative Commentator Steve Hilton Emerges as Frontrunner
The race for governor in California has a new frontrunner, with conservative commentator Steve Hilton leading the field with 17% in a recent poll. Following closely behind are Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell and Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, both tied at 14%. Hilton, a former director of strategy for British Prime Minister David Cameron and a Fox News contributor, has seen a surge in donations, while Bianco had a slight lead in a previous poll.
Former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer, both Democrats, have 10% and 9% support, respectively, in the latest poll. However, 21% of respondents remain undecided, indicating a wide-open race. Support for Hilton and Steyer has increased since December, while support for Swalwell has also risen slightly.
The Republican electorate in California is divided between Hilton and Bianco, with Hilton also gaining support from independent voters. On the Democratic side, voters have not yet united behind a single candidate, with Swalwell, Porter, and Steyer all garnering support. The primary is scheduled for June 2, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election in November.
Governor Gavin Newsom's approval rating may impact the race, as the survey shows a slight drop in approval and a rise in disapproval since December. Other poll results reveal that a majority of voters have considered leaving California due to the high cost of living, with housing, utilities, and groceries being major budget strains. Additionally, opinions on immigration policy are divided between the Biden and Trump administrations.
The survey was conducted in February and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. The race for governor in California remains competitive, with candidates vying for support from both Republican and Democratic voters. The primary and general elections will determine who will succeed Governor Newsom, with the outcome still uncertain as voters weigh their options.